TN>Land Between the Lakes--planning stages

[meanjoe]

That sounds like an awesome trip. I've never paddled there, though I've covered every inch of trail from Dover to Grand Rivers by mountain bike. (they recently opened up the tn side to mtbers).

I don't think you'll find easy access to water without having to filter. There are many backcountry camping spots but only the major campgrounds and welcome stations have water. And I'm not sure if they're open all year.

I think I'd probably do a combination of things for water, but plan on using my filter a lot.

Have fun!

[MedicineMan]

Meanjoe, you know you are invited to join us, and your inland knowledge might come in useful, you never know.
Roger that on a stout filter and planning on using it.

[L.D. Cakes]

I wish I could take 8 days off in a row, the best I can do is 4. I've wanted to paddle there for quite a while now. Have fun!

[ftroop94]

That sounds fun MM. I know my 5 an 6 year olds will be out of school that week, so momma won't let it happen for me! I love LBL. I used to camp there all the time before I discovered South Cumberland.

I'm hoping some of us can make a 2-3 day BSF trip this fall!

[MedicineMan]

Cakes, tell the man with the rain coat and k-bar this is a once in a lifetime paddle-hang and that you and Montalban are closing the shop for 6 days.
Ftroop-start smooth talking the Mrs. now

For those of us 'far' away travel will eat up 2 days.
We'll most likely complete the paddling part in 4 but if the winds kick up to 20+ then we all know progres might be hampered-then again progress might be speed-ed up.

Partial trips possible too. There are access points along the way for any wanting to do half....just thinking out loud here.

[L.D. Cakes]

The man with the K-Bar now has a full hammock rig! And I'll work on it but its more than the shop job it's my little ladies who depend on me.

[SQWERL]

MM just now seeing this. My family used to camp at canal campground all the time at LBL. I loved it there! I won't be able to make the trip. Vacation days used for the smokies in October. But a really good BBQ place near LBL in Grandrivers is Knoths BBQ. If it is still there. Handmade milkshakes, BBQ, hand patted burgers. Can't wait for a video of the trip.

[MedicineMan]

Critical information 'really good BBQ place near LBL in Grandrivers is Knoths BBQ.' THANKS!

[MedicineMan]

Want to clear up the time line.
Shuttling the cars and beginning paddling the day after Thanksgiving=Friday.
Paddle Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.
Hangnout found a map with mileage listed. From bridge to bridge is roughly 50 miles
no counting going into the coves (and the coves at LBL are sometimes the size of lakes).
So that gives up 10 miles/day and plenty of sleeping-in time, cooking time, or time to find
water and who knows maybe even a shower at one of the 'official' campgrounds.
Chances are we'll be through Monday at 12ish miles/day so the extra day is built in for
crap weather where we just can't make progress.
Hope this clears up the planned itinerary.

I'll also point out that regular paddlers have no problem with far more miles a day; so if you're new to paddling and multi-day camping this should be reassuring.
Also we are going with the current

[L.D. Cakes]

I cant stand it! Darn it all you've got me thinking and juggling the schedule! The itinerary sounds logistically doable for most paddlers with long distance boats. I have a paddle tonight with my touring group (weather permitting). And will discuss this with them and see if a couple of us can manage an escape!